Apostles of Doom

In any event, Sir Gadius had returned within about an hour with the cease-fire agreement and a guarantee of safe passage for the three leaders, as well as the four knights. He had also filled them in on the details, including the fact that the emanation they had detected had belonged to Melissance.

That had been quite the surprise as well. Talarius’s former romantic interest was probably the last person he had expected to find in the Abyss. Although, given what had transpired, he had known she’d been hauled off by a demon; he should have considered the possibility. Very odd how both of them had been abducted by demons; it was not exactly a common occurrence. In fact, they were the only two people he knew of whom had been bodily dragged off to the Abyss.

“Demons are known for keeping their word,” Heron stated once the Chancellor had finished speaking. “Our lawyers were comfortable with the document.” He shook his head, still not completely convinced.

“If need be, we shall all lock arms and battle our way back out while the Inferno resumes its attacks if there is any treachery,” Sir Gadius said.

“In that case, I suppose it is fortunate we cannot die in the Abyss,” Chancellor Alighieri said, turning his head to give Sir Gadius a small smile.

“Greetings!” a demon in the courtyard hailed them. “I am Amadeus, majordomo of Asmodeus, liaison to Lord and Lady Hesseforthalus, at whose castle you have arrived. I apologize that Lord Hesseforthalus is not here to greet you himself, but his duties have called him away. I therefore present a cold welcome — I’m sorry, I believe your people use the term warm welcome—on behalf of Lady Hesseforthalus, who welcomes you to her newest abode.” The demon was wearing a rather odd formal uniform.

After a short pause, Chancellor Alighieri inhaled deeply and began, “Greetings and salutations! On behalf of Oorstemoth and the crew of…”

Barabus tuned the chancellor out. This was going to take a while.

~

“Melissance.” Barabus nodded his head to the former high priestess, now demon spouse.

“Barabus.” Melissance smiled tightly, returning the nod. Amadeus had just introduced everyone in Melissance’s tower chamber. She quickly turned to Chancellor Alighieri with a much brighter smile.

“My dear sir, I am told by your current, and my former, colleagues that this remarkable vessel, which has done what most thought impossible — storm the gates of hell, so to speak — is your creation?” Melissance asked.

“Indeed, my lady.” Chancellor Alighieri smiled and bowed his head briefly.

“Simply fantastic! You must sit by me at dinner so that we may discuss, under our mutual non-disclosure agreement, of course, this marvelous machine! It is beyond anything I have ever even imagined!” She shook her head in wonder.

“It would be my pleasure, my lady,” Dante replied.

Barabus suppressed a grin. He noted that the chancellor was having some difficulty keeping his eyes from dropping to Melissance’s cleavage. She had always been extremely beautiful, but here, she seemed completely radiant. He suspected that such a fact should be disturbing.

Melissance’s eyes swept the rest of the party. “Shall we proceed to the dining room?”

Receiving nods from several members, Melissance smiled and gestured to Amadeus to open a set of double doors to their left. The doors opened wide, revealing a good-sized room with a table set formally with china and crystal. Barabus blinked, trying to determine how such a room could fit within the tower. He was not even sure how the current chamber could possibly fit in the tower.

As they entered the room, he noted several smaller demons in formal servant uniforms standing near the edges. As they entered, a vision came from around a column, presumably from a hallway. Vision was the only word Barabus had for what came to greet them. He heard indrawn breaths from a number in his party, including the chancellor. The being entering the room was the most stunningly gorgeous man Barabus had ever laid eyes upon. Strong — incredibly muscular — and of perfect form, the six-foot-five man had long golden hair flowing over the shoulders of his white gown, sparkling blue eyes, and gloriously golden feathered wings, the same color as his hair, upon his back.

What was this being? The only word that came to mind was avatar, a god’s avatar; yet that made absolutely no sense what so ever.

Seeing the shocked expressions on her guests’ faces, Melissance smiled; clearly, she was well aware of the effect this being had on people. “Allow me to introduce Salvatore, my personal bodyguard and right-hand man — or rather, demon.” Melissance grinned in delight, gesturing to the stunning sight before them.

“Gentlemen and lady, I bid you welcome!” Salvatore said in the most mellifluous, harmonic voice Barabus thought he had ever heard. It was as if he was listening to a small choir speaking with one beautiful voice.